Organ donated to Grosvenor House

JONESVILLE — A pump organ with sounds of the past reflects the pioneering lifestyles of those first settling in the area.

The Estey reed organ, currently residing at Treasure’s Etc. in Jonesville, has a serial number identifying it as being made sometime between 1880-1882.

Local musician and historian John Walker and his parents, Tim and Theresa Walker, owners of Treasure’s Etc., are discovering more about the treasure each day it resides at their consignment store on Chicago Road.

“It came from an old farm in North Adams and has been in the area from the date of purchase to the present,” John Walker said. “Since it was made in Vermont, I envision it coming by train and then traveling in a covered wagon to someone’s home nearby.”

Though it’s had various owners, Walker learned they’ve all been local.

The current North Adams owner, Owen Wagler, was moving and contacted Theresa Walker about consigning the organ at her business. She asked her son, John, to drive to North Adams and take a look at the organ’s worth.

“I knew the first time I looked at it that it belonged in a museum,” John Walker said.

The Walkers convinced the owner he wouldn’t be able to obtain the organ’s true worth since it was in excellent condition after being recently reconditioned both internally and externally.

After recently attending holiday festivities at the Grosvenor House Museum in Jonesville, the Walkers knew where the organ should be. The owner agreed to donating the organ, but until it is moved to its new home, the Walkers, who have expertise with antiques, are keeping it safe while learning about its past.

“The sound is perfect and every key comes alive,” John Walker said, as he pulled up a chair to demonstrate the instrument’s qualities. “It’s like a big harmonica.”

Demonstrating how the process involves not only the pumping of feet, but also volume control with one’s knees and agile fingers to play the notes and choose the various functions and intonations available.

“This knob gives the sound of fluttering, called tremolo,” he explained as he pulled the knob. “There is a paper paddle inside and air pressure causes the sound. The electric versions came out later in the 1950s, but many of the famous bands from that era preferred the sounds the original versions made.”

Having experience with just about any instrument imaginable, John Walker said he started out playing a trumpet, then a guitar, then piano and even a sitar (Indian guitar). The self-taught musician has an ear for music and an eye for antiques. Also a graphic designer, he can notice the slightest imperfections in antiques, which he says are what make each unique.

Page 2 of 2 - If the “sister piece” was next to it, it would not be exactly the same, even though they were manufactured by the same company, he said. Each piece was hand-carved featuring its own character. The Mahogany exterior features ornate carvings with oil lantern holders on each side and a gold inlay with not a spot missing.

“That goes to show the kind of care it had,” Tim Walker said.

He and his son estimate that if someone were to attempt to duplicate the organ today, it would cost between $4,500 to $5,500.

Bonnie Drake, who serves on the Grosvenor House board, was ecstatic to hear of the donation to the museum, saying it fits right in with the Italianate house, Walker said.

Once the organ is situated, a program of organ music by John Walker will be given to benefit the museum’s general upkeep.

“We will advertise and put out a general invite for the public to come and hear the organ,” Tim Walker said. “It’s an honor to get it directed to a place where it can get years of enjoyment — it’s priceless because of its beauty and its history.”